✅Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway

HB 2198

✅ HB 2198: Honoring Officer Jacob Candanoza Without Hidden Costs

What it says it does:
HB 2198 names part of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County the “Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway.” It directs TxDOT to install signs marking the designation, with costs covered by donations or grants instead of tax dollars.

What it actually changes:
The bill makes no structural or fiscal changes to state law. It simply adds a symbolic memorial designation, leaving existing funding, oversight, and agency duties intact.

Who is pushing for it:
Law enforcement associations including CLEAT, TMPA, the Houston Police Officers Union, and the Game Warden Peace Officers Association supported the bill. It was authored by Rep. Keith Bell (R-HD4) and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Bob Hall (R-SD2).

Who benefits:
The family and community of Officer Candanoza, and law enforcement officers statewide who see public recognition of service and sacrifice. The bill also gives legislators a way to demonstrate support for first responders without adding new spending.

Why this matters long term:
HB 2198 is an example of clean, symbolic lawmaking that honors public service without redirecting funds or creating oversight gaps. It shows that legislators can act on community values without embedding fiscal or political strings.

Bottom line:
HB 2198 honors sacrifice with integrity. No hidden carveouts, no redirected money, no loss of public oversight. It’s what a clean, transparent, people-focused bill looks like.

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